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Overview

Speak to the Mountain: The Tommie Waites Story is a special book about a unique woman, Tommie Waites, who started from dire poverty in the Ark-La-Tex region of the country and overcame one powerful force after another until she emerged as a leading Christian evangelist. The book, written by Tommie's daughter Bessie, clearly documents in words and photos just what kind of life a poor black family could expect in the Deep South before, during, and after the Depression. Dr. Blake chronicles her mother's determination to overcome mountains of poverty, illness, spousal abuse and racism, as well as gender bias in the country as a whole and in the ministry. Reading about the struggles of Tommie Waites, one can't help but recognize that the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow has been horror and deprivation but that it has also been a strengthening of spirit and determination for those who fought and survived. Tommie Waites didn't just survive, however; she thrived. She struggled and she won. This is the story of one of America's many unsung and humble heroes, a story which will not only teach its reader about American history but also move a reader to tears and, ultimately, to passion and action.

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Product Details

About the Author

Dr. Bessie W. Blake, a widely known and respected educator, is an adjunct professor of English at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, New York, and a recognized expert on adult learning. Her lecture tours have carried her to every corner of the United States and abroad to countries like England, Scotland and Senegal. Until two years ago, she served as the Academic Dean of the College of New Rochelle’s School of New Resources. During her tenure as Dean, she established the Rosa Parks Campus in Harlem and the Gordon Parks Gallery in the South Bronx. In addition, Dr. Blake has done extensive work with historically Black colleges. Her service on Boards of Directors include the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, the National League of Nursing Board of baccalaureate and Higher Degree Programs and The Rosa and Raymond Institute for Self-Development. Dr. Blake’s formal education began in a one-room schoolhouse in east Texas and continued with her graduation from Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. She received her foundation in literature from two historically Black colleges: the Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Southern University and the Master of Arts in American Literature from North Carolina Central University. A Doctorate of Education focused on writing and the composing process from Columbia University’s Teachers College was followed by a postdoctoral Certificate of Lifelong Learning from Harvard University. She says, “More powerful than the educational influences in my life was the impact of my mother, Tommie Waites. Her resilience in the face of adversity was a road map for my success.” Dr. Blake resides in Queens, NY with her husband, Prof. James Blake. They are the proud parents of four children and six grandchildren.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Speak to the Mountain: The Tommie Waites Story 4.9 out of 5based on
0 ratings.
7 reviews.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

As a child growing up I always thought that Aunt Tommie was a special woman. I always heard people speak very highly of her. I am the great-great niece of Tommie Waites my grandmother 'who died way before I was born' Tutu was Tommie's sister. It was very inspiring to learn more about my family, things that I never knew. I even learned things about my grandmother that my mother never shared. Also seeing pictures of family throughout the book was very helpful by allowing me to put the young faces with the names of people that I've heard of but didn't remember meeting, because I was too young. As an adult I am both humbled and inspired by the acccomplishments of my family. Aunt Tommie's constant faith in God is a trait that our family is proud to retain and pass on to future generations.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

If you enjoy reading stories about the triumph of the human spirit, read 'Speak to Mountain', the story of Ms. Tommie Waites. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. If you are like me, and enjoy books about another time, place and/or culture,that helps you to feel another people's experience, you will enjoy ¿Speak to the Mountain¿. Ms. Waites' story is compelling and uplifting.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

I am so sorry that I waited so long to read this book. I purchased it several months ago and let it sit on my shelf. From the moment I started to read I slipped into a trance engrossed in the story of the incredible woman full of faith, strength, and discipline. While you read her story you learn of the stories of others who suffered dealing with the social, racial, and financial pressures of the times. This is an incredible read, and I am compelled to purchase this book for a friend to inspire them as well.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

In ¿Speak to the Mountain: The Tommie Waites Story¿ Dr. Bessie W. Blake does a masterful job in painting a beautiful portrait of her mother, a woman who experienced the blues and of racism, sexism, poverty, illness, loss and personal tragedy, but through it all learned to sing the gospel of faith. Through her own life she proved that faith in and of itself is a blessing and that blessings are a by product of faith. Her mother¿s voice is humble, resilient, humorous, uplifting and comforting as it resounds through the pages and is heard by the heart. This book should be read by all who want an understanding of the history of Black America, particularly in the southern region of the United States, the history of the Black church and it¿s treatment of women (at it¿s best and worst), and the strength of the Black family in all it¿s myriad configurations. Most importantly it is a living testament to one woman¿s strength, love, kindness, and steadfast belief in God. This wonderful homage to Tommie Waites will encourage readers to conquer all of life¿s mountains.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

In ¿Speak to the Mountain: The Tommie Waites Story¿ Dr. Bessie Blake does a masterful job of painting a beautiful portrait of her mother, a woman who lived the blues of racism, poverty, illness, sexism, loss and personal tragedy, but through it all continued to sing the gospel of faith. Her story is proof that faith in and of itself is a blessing and that blessings are the by-product of faith. Tommie Waite¿s voice is humorous, uplifting and comforting as it resounds through the pages and is heard by the heart. It should be read by all who desire an understanding of the history of Black America, particularly in the southern region of the United States, the history of the Black church and it¿s treatment of women (at it¿s best and worst), and the strength of the Black family in all it¿s myriad configurations. Most importantly, it is a living testament to one woman¿s strength, love, kindness, and steadfast belief in God. This book will give you the courage to address and conquer all of the mountains in life.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This was the first book I was actually able to finish in a short time, because I couldn't put it down. The Tommie Waites Story tells the story about all of our African American foremothers and forefathers here in America and what life was really like for them during Jim Crow. This is a book that should be mandatory reading for our high school youth to help them learn, understand and realize their African roots and past history as current day African Americans. The story has heart warming accounts of the lives of all the characters over several generations and decades. This is a book about family, spirit, strength, faith and courage. Easy reading, a joy and a pleasure to feel from the heart.

Guest

More than 1 year ago

This book is a page turner! I got lost in a time when people really cared and when one women endured through troubled times to find her peace.

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